Latest news with #BahrainBasketballAssociation
Gulf Insider
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Basketball Team Returns To William Jones Cup After 47 Years
Bahrain's national men's basketball team is set to participate in the 44th edition of the William Jones Cup, scheduled to take place in Taiwan from July 12 to 20. The tournament is organised by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA). First launched in 1977, the William Jones Cup is one of the most prestigious unofficial international basketball competitions. It is named after Renato William Jones, a key founding figure of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), who played a significant role in the global development and promotion of the sport. The tournament brings together national teams, university squads, and club sides from around the world, offering a platform for high level competition and exposure to diverse playing styles. It serves as a valuable preparatory opportunity for teams ahead of continental and international competitions. Bahrain's participation in this year's tournament aligns with the Bahrain Basketball Association's strategy to elevate the performance of the national team. The initiative seeks to enhance player readiness by engaging with elite level opponents and gaining exposure to varied tactical approaches. The tournament also holds historical significance for Bahrain's basketball community. In 1977, Renato William Jones visited the Kingdom of Bahrain at the invitation of Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who was then President of the Bahrain Basketball Association. His visit was to attend the opening of a mini basketball festival, marking an early milestone in Bahrain's commitment to developing the sport. This marks Bahrain's second appearance in the William Jones Cup, following its debut in the 1978 edition, during which the team received the Fair Play Award. Source Bahrain News Agency
Daily Tribune
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Khalifa bin Salman Cup Final Tickets Sold Out as Fan Zone Set for Overflow Crowd
TDT | Manama Tickets for the Khalifa bin Salman Basketball Cup Final have officially sold out, the Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed, ahead of Wednesday night's highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Manama and Muharraq. The final, widely regarded as the most high-profile fixture in the Bahraini basketball calendar, will be played in front of a packed arena, with demand for tickets far exceeding supply. To accommodate fans unable to secure seats, organisers have announced the creation of a dedicated Fan Zone outside the venue. The area will include live entertainment, interactive activities, and a large screen broadcasting the match, allowing supporters to follow the action in real time while enjoying the build-up in a lively, communal setting. The decision ensures the final's buzz extends beyond the court, maintaining the sense of occasion for what promises to be one of the most electric atmospheres in recent memory.
Daily Tribune
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain 3x3 team earn recognition for youth leadership
Bahrain's women's 3x3 basketball team faced a tough campaign at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore, exiting at the qualifying stage after losses to Malaysia and the Republic of Korea. However, despite the on-court setbacks, Bahrain's basketball community had reason to celebrate, as the Bahrain Basketball Association was recognized for its success in the FIBA Foundation Asian Youth Leadership Program. Bayan Salman, a focal point of Bahrain's women's team, expressed her gratitude for the honor during the annual Khalifa Cup draw, saying: 'Thank you to the Bahrain Basketball Association for the recognition during the annual Khalifa Cup draw for winning 1st place at the FIBA Foundation Asian Youth Leadership Program in Singapore. We can't wait to carry our program out this year in Bahrain, hoping to impact many lives.' Tough Battles in Singapore On the court, Bahrain struggled against strong opposition in Pool A of the qualifying draw. Their campaign opened with a 17-12 defeat to Malaysia, a game where they fought hard but ultimately fell short. The second match against Korea proved even tougher, with Bahrain suffering a 21-5 loss, ending their hopes of advancing to the main draw. Despite the early exit, the tournament offered valuable experience for the squad, as they aim to build on their regional success—most notably a bronze medal at the 2022 Gulf Games. Bayan Salman's Optimism and Team Spirit Before the tournament, Salman remained confident in the team's potential, saying: 'I have full faith in my team. I believe we have what it takes to make some more history.' She also praised the team's coaching staff, crediting head coach Murteza and assistant coach Dragovic for their leadership. 'Coach Murteza is leading us with passion as always, and Coach Dragovic is adding a lot of experience.' Looking Ahead The 2025 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, held from March 26 to 30, concluded with Australia securing their fifth title by defeating Japan in the final. While Bahrain's run was short-lived, the tournament showed the rapid growth of 3x3 basketball in the region. For Bahrain, the focus now shifts to the future—both in competitive basketball and through the youth leadership program. With the recognition from FIBA and the Bahrain Basketball Association, the country's basketball community is poised to make a lasting impact, both on and off the court.
Daily Tribune
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's 3x3 Team Makes Rankings Leap
Men's team reaches 13th in FIBA rankings; women's team gains valuable experience. Bahrain's men's team rose from 24th to 13th in FIBA 3x3 rankings. Finished qualifiers with three wins in four matches, missing the main draw on tiebreaker. Women's team showed promise despite losses to Malaysia and South Korea. Bahrain's men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have returned home following their participation in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 in Singapore, where the men's side made significant progress in the competition rankings. Despite falling short of qualification for the tournament's main draw, Bahrain's men's team climbed from 24th to 13th in the FIBA rankings, reflecting their growth on the international stage. The team, featuring Nasser Al Mosawi, Hassan Fahad, Sayed Mohammed Hameed, and Sadeq Shukrallah, finished their qualifying campaign with an impressive three wins out of four. They secured wins over Guam and Indonesia, narrowly missing out on a spot in the main draw due to a points differential tiebreaker with Hong Kong. Bahrain's only loss came against the eventual group winners. Meanwhile, Bahrain's women's team gained valuable experience competing against strong opposition from Malaysia and South Korea, showing their potential despite not progressing past the qualifiers. Upon their arrival at Bahrain International Airport, the teams were met by Bahrain Basketball Association President Ala'a Madara and Competitions Committee Chairman Hassan Yassin, who praised their efforts and reaffirmed support for Bahrain's growing presence in 3x3 basketball. With Bahrain's progress in 3x3 Basketball, attention now turns to November 21-22, when the kingdom will host the 14th edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final.
Daily Tribune
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain eyes FIBA Asia Cup Qualification with home-court advantage
This weekend, Bahrain's senior men's basketball team will take their final shot at qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, hosting the pivotal West Asia qualification tournament at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. The three-team event will determine two teams that will secure spots in the prestigious continental tournament. Bahrain will compete against Iraq and India, with all matches being played before an enthusiastic home crowd. National team captain Ahmed Salman is eager to seize the opportunity to play in front of Bahrain's passionate supporters. 'Hosting this qualifying tournament is huge for us,' said Salman. 'It's vital for both the players and the team as a whole. The fans are everything—they're incredibly passionate, love the game, and support us endlessly. Their support is priceless.' India completed the tournament lineup upon their arrival in Bahrain yesterday. The Indian team was warmly welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) director Abed Al Ansari, who wished them the best of luck in the qualifiers. The teams are now preparing for the critical matches ahead that will determine who progresses. The tournament kicks off today with Iraq and India facing each other. Both teams arrived on Wednesday and were greeted by BBA secretary general Ahmed Hafez and BBA director Abed Al Ansari. Bahrain's campaign begins tomorrow with a match against India, followed by a crucial encounter with Iraq on Sunday. Both games are set to tip off at 10 pm. Additionally, BBA president Alaa Mudara paid a visit to the national team's training session, reinforcing his ongoing support. He met with players and coaching staff, urging them to give their best efforts in the upcoming qualifiers. 'The next phase is critical,' Mudara said. 'Our fans are eager to see the team perform at their best, and I have full confidence in the players' ability to achieve the desired results.' The top two teams from the round-robin competition will secure their spots in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this August. For Ahmed Salman, competing in the Asia Cup would be a dream come true. 'Every player wants to be part of the Asia Cup,' said Salman, who hopes to make his debut in the tournament. 'It's a massive stage, and whether it's my debut or not, it will mean a lot. Every basketball player dreams of playing at this level, and I want to make an impact with my team.' Salman, the son of former national team head coach Salman Ramadhan, acknowledges the significance of this opportunity. 'My dad was the head coach for years and holds the record for the most medals with the national team,' he reflected. 'To represent the national team is a tremendous honor. To be selected as one of the 12 best players in the country is everything to me.' The Bahrain squad, coached by Jad El Hajj, consists of 14 players: Mustafa Hussain, Ali Aqeel, Ali Hussain, Mohammed Ameer, Ali Shukrallah, Subah Hussain, Ahmed Bin Dainah, Ali Jaber, Wayne Chism, Maitham Jameel, Hesham Sarhan, Ahmed Alderazi, and Mohammed Juma'a. These players are preparing for the final push to secure a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup, joining other teams such as China, Iran, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Syria, and host Saudi Arabia, who have already earned their place. The FIBA Asia Cup is the continent's premier basketball tournament, featuring senior men's national teams from both FIBA Asia and FIBA Oceania. Bahrain is aiming to qualify for the championship for the 10th time.
